A new five-year contract between DB Cargo UK and Plasmor Group will extend a rail freight partnership that began almost four decades ago. The agreement will see rail services continue between Plasmor’s production site at Great Heck and distribution terminals serving London and the South East, reinforcing rail’s role in the manufacturer’s supply chain.
The renewed deal underlines the commercial stability that long-term rail freight contracts can provide. With up to six trains per week planned between Great Heck, Biggleswade and Bow, the agreement secures a consistent logistics flow for Plasmor’s concrete products while maintaining rail freight volumes for DB Cargo UK through to the end of 2031.
Contract renews long-running freight flows
Under the new agreement, DB Cargo UK will operate trains from Plasmor’s facility at Great Heck, close to the East Coast Main Line, to distribution terminals in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire and Bow in East London. The operation will run at a frequency of up to six services per week.
The contract reflects the continuing use of rail for bulk construction materials in the UK market. According to Plasmor, the regular service plays a role in reducing road movements into London and the South East, while ensuring a predictable supply to key markets.
A partnership built over decades
Plasmor began moving products by rail in 1986, when sidings were constructed to connect its factory to the adjacent East Coast Main Line. Since then, rail has formed part of the company’s logistics model, with DB Cargo UK providing the freight services.
“It has been an honour to work with the Slater family and their colleagues at Plasmor over the past four decades, providing a safe and reliable solution to their everyday transport needs,” said Roger Neary, DB Cargo UK’s Chief Commercial Officer. “With the recent signing of a new five-year contract, we thought that naming one of our locomotives after one of the company’s founders was a very fitting way to demonstrate the depth of our relationship. We wish everyone at Plasmor the very best for the future!” added Roger.
Naming ceremony honours Plasmor founder
The contract announcement coincided with a locomotive naming ceremony at Great Heck. DB Cargo UK named one of its British Rail Class 66 locomotives, number 66186, in honour of Antony Slater, founder of the Plasmor Group. The ceremony recognised Slater’s role in establishing the company and in introducing rail transport into its logistics operations. The event also brought together representatives from both organisations to mark the continuation of their commercial partnership.
“Our longstanding strategic partnership with DB Cargo UK evidences a 40-year commitment to sustainable distribution into London and the South East,” said Julian Slater, chairman of Plasmor. “A single daily train to our depots at Biggleswade in Bedfordshire and Bow in East London negates the need for 50 HGV movements. My father, Antony, was always innovating and DB’s naming of the Class 66 locomotive in recognition of his foresight is a proud moment for my family and for Plasmor,” he added.